Posts by Separation of Powers

23

Daniel Chapter 7 - Commentary - NEW ARTICLE

by EdenOne in

i've just published a new article on my website.. it's called: "daniel and the future of the 'saints of the most holy' - a commentary on daniel chapter 7".

i'd like to draw your attention in particular to the identity of the fourth beast since i depart clearly from the more or less consensual explanation that is about rome and the antichrist.

i won't waste time with that it isn't, though, and focus on what it is.

Separation of Powers

EdenOne,

I, too, have undertaken considerable scholarly endeavors, I think in an attempt to do the same. Many have tried to make sense of it all by exhaustively studying as many resources as possible, and yet, in the end, come up short. The Bible is an ancient book, with ancient overtones and symbology. The interpretation of its contents is subject to the whims and fancies of modern society, quite similar to the Constitution of the United States or United Kingdom. For this reason, I have struggled, struggled to displace myself from the act of interpreting the Scriptures so as to not bring in my own preconceived notions or ideas, so as to not lend myself to the position of a commentator for whom I hold a particular respect. Through it all I came to the realization that I would like to share with you. It may help you to come to grips with the "really, really, really want to make sure " aspect of your journey.

The early Christian church was defined by, not a oneness in doctrine, but in purpose.

Christ said, "You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!" (John 5:39 New Living Translation)

SOP

23

Daniel Chapter 7 - Commentary - NEW ARTICLE

by EdenOne in

i've just published a new article on my website.. it's called: "daniel and the future of the 'saints of the most holy' - a commentary on daniel chapter 7".

i'd like to draw your attention in particular to the identity of the fourth beast since i depart clearly from the more or less consensual explanation that is about rome and the antichrist.

i won't waste time with that it isn't, though, and focus on what it is.

Separation of Powers

"I'm sure your question has a purpose, so go ahead..."

No purpose, simply a question or questions. I am always impressed by the scholastic endeavors of those that have left the organization. It is a testament to their desire to know the truth, if there is such a thing. I applaud your efforts and am impressed by your writing style. No agenda here.

23

Daniel Chapter 7 - Commentary - NEW ARTICLE

by EdenOne in

i've just published a new article on my website.. it's called: "daniel and the future of the 'saints of the most holy' - a commentary on daniel chapter 7".

i'd like to draw your attention in particular to the identity of the fourth beast since i depart clearly from the more or less consensual explanation that is about rome and the antichrist.

i won't waste time with that it isn't, though, and focus on what it is.

Separation of Powers

EdenOne,

Having read your commentary, I have one question, well, actually two.

Are you fluent in ancient Hebrew or Aramaic?

If not, are you fluent in ancient greek or greek used before the 1st century i.e. used in the translation of the Septuagint?

40

Former Long Time Elder - Judicial Committees

by James Jackson in

when i first was appointed as an elder, i could not wait to be on a judicial committee.

it semed like most hearings invovled middle age men and women cheating on their mates because either they had married early or felt that were being neglected by their mate.

most times i felt i need to take a long hot shower after a hearing.. the toughest part was seeing these sweet young children grow up in "the truth", and now you are about to judge their future based on their repentance.

Separation of Powers

James said, "Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment." I think that just about sums it up for those that affected the lives of so many.

23

did Russell come up with 1914 via the pyramid or just confirm it via pyramid

by Crazyguy in

so i read somewhere that the 1914 date came from bourbor and that russell used the pyramid to confirm his belief in 1914. its this accurate?

.

Separation of Powers

The great stone witness cannot lie. However, it can deceive. Afterall, does the first step count as a step or does it not? what about the step before the first step, that would be considered a step if one were ascending the steps. The last step, then, would also be considered a step. what about the small resting platform half-way down the descending staircase, is that considered a step, or maybe it's two because whoever descends would have to step twice before reaching another step.....

33

Do Jehovah's Witnesses REALLY believe that their worldly friends, relatives and small children will be slain in the street by god?

by jambon1 in

jw
friends

i mean, it's so utterly ****ed up, it's unbelievable.. just think about the nitty gritty of it:.

people that they love & care for who don't share their religion deserve to be killed, left without a grave & eaten by wild animals.

one day, this will happen & they'll be surrounded by billion upon billion of decaying, rotting corpses.

Separation of Powers

Yes...they do REALLY believe this. It makes them special and extraordinary. It makes them selfish and self-absorbed. Afterall, how can you really have a meaningful relationship with anyone when you know they don't measure up as well as you do, and they are probably gonna get taken out? That's why everything is so superficial. That's why gossiping is so bad and throwing people under the bus is commonplace.

I heard it said once, "Being a witness is a selfish thing, you have to ensure your salvation before anyone else's. That's all that matters. It's like when the flight attendant is going over the safety procedures before a flight, "make sure you put your oxygen mask on BEFORE assisting anyone else."

As for the children? Don't get me started.

16

Faithfull Slave Teaching Leaves something out!

by DeWandelaar in

for years the so-called faithfull slave has brainwashed us with their doctrine.

number 6 the possessions?

according to the text only the servants are being inspected!

Separation of Powers

DeWandelaar,

Very good analysis. I appreciate the text you used for Matthew 24:45-47. The NWT does not use "household" but rather, "domestics." For some, that may not be a big deal, but for me, it immediately puts that "faithful slave" in a position of prestige. With that simple term, he is now distinct, he is now elite. It is interesting to me that the majority of other translations use terms like "other household servants"(New living translation) and "other slaves" (NET Bible) so as to not distinguish the faithful slave from his counterparts, the "household". He is still a slave. The ONLY thing that distinguishes him is his responsibility and if he fails to live up to that responsibility, he is deemed "evil." I appreciate the way one translation renders it, "On the other hand, that servant, if he is wicked, may think that it will be a long time before his master comes." (God's Word Translation) This rendering makes it plain that the parable is referring to the same "slave."

If, then, the Master is happy with the "faithful" slave, he appoints him over all his "goods" or "possessions." Notice that it does not say over his "household." The "household" or "other servants" are already being tended to by the "faithful servant, logically, there is no need to appoint him over them. This understanding distinguishes further the appointment. The "faithful slave" has the responsibility of looking after his other servants, making sure they are fed, i.e cared for. If he does good, then he is "placed over" the possessions of the Master.

Today, this parable can have many interpretations. However, if you consider ancient Jewish life and the audience that Jesus was speaking to, i.e. the impoverished, abused, and uneducated masses, many of which were slaves or had family members enslaved, it is not difficult to understand that Jesus was speaking to his audience about individual responsibility and accountability.

6

We Demand The Freedom to Say That One plus One = Two !

by BluesBrother in

in george orwell's masterpiece "1984" winston smith makes the following observation about the state he was living under :.

"the party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears.

it was their final, most essential command.

Separation of Powers

You already have it...walk away, fade away, disappear. The book 1984, in my estimation, wasn't a story about a totalitarian regime as much as it was a testament to freedoms. Winston realized what he was part of and dealt with it in a way many in the book did not. They, too, must have realized but were too fearful or too in awe to do something.

Sometimes I wish I were simply a "prole" then I wouldn't have to deal with anything but the issues of ordinary existence.

15

Why leave one religion only to join another one??

by Monsieur in

i read how many here have learned ttat, leave the jw faith, but then subscribe to the 'true' gospel of jesus.. it seems rather contradictory.

the jw faith teaches a very positive 'concept' of christ and his teachings, how is this different from the way other religions teach it?.

it seems more logical to discard or ignore any claims of historic or authentic proof of christ's existence.

Separation of Powers

Some need religion. They need the sense of belonging that only organized religion can provide. Others, others lose all faith in religion after leaving the organization. They feel like JF Rutherford felt, "Religion is a snare and a racket." When you get to that point, all religion becomes a joke. It is a means to an end, and typically that end is money.

I have seen more leave the organization and becomes agnostic or atheist than return to an organized sect. Can't say that I blame them, faith is a precarious thing and when it is damaged or abused, does not mend well.

153

The antidote to the myth that JWs are declining

by slimboyfat in

one of the most persistent myths on this website is that jws are already in decline, the rot has set in, and the descent of the watchtower is inevitable from here on in.

unfortunately the facts do not bear this out.

jws are still increasing even in most developing countries, and they are still growing worldwide at a faster rate than the general population.

Separation of Powers

I agree Slimboyfat, particularly with the idea of projecting one's feelings onto the situation. The reality is, the organization continues to grow. Many commenters here have pointed out the reasons, so I will shy away from that. With regard to the lying and deception about numbers, well, I don't see that, and never have.

To my point, I recall the mass exodus after the 1975 debacle. The Society didn't fudge those numbers as noted in the Yearbook, I believe 1977 onward for a couple of years. It was there in black and white, close to 250K left as I recall. It prompted no real explanation to the rank and file. No real apology. Just an in your face "so they left" mentality. I remember Sydlick saying, "They were not of our sort." Funny, I didn't feel that way at the time.

Today, people come in, not in droves, but in trickles. Like a bucket placed under a leaky roof, drop by drop. The bucket still fills, not as fast, but still. And when a piece of moss breaks from the cedar shingle and drifts down the roof, the hole might plug, so the bucket is moved to an area where the trickle is stable.

Sometimes the pail overflows and water trickles out of the bucket and through the cracks of the floorboard. The bucket doesn't really care about the loss...it's just a bucket. But, I, I am just a drop of water pooling below the floorboard with other drips. LOL